The reigning African Footballer of the Year and Atalanta forward, Ademola Lookman, will challenge Victor Osimhen for the highest individual honour at the 2025 Nigeria Pitch Awards.
At an unveiling ceremony held at Bon Hotels, Ikeja, organizers announced nominees across 18 categories, with Osimhen set to defend his “King of the Pitch” title against Lookman and Super Eagles stand-in captain, William Troost-Ekong.
Osimhen, currently with Galatasaray, made history at the 10th anniversary edition in 2024, securing his third consecutive “King of the Pitch” award alongside “Striker of the Year.” A fourth win would further cement his dominance, but Lookman’s recent CAF award victory has made the race more competitive.
The nominees for other major categories include:
Goalkeeper of the Year: Maduka Okoye (Udinese), Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United), Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars).
Defender of the Year: Calvin Bassey (Fulham), Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest), William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood).
Midfielder of the Year: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City), Alex Iwobi (Fulham), Frank Onyeka (FC Augsburg).
Striker of the Year: Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray), Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen), Ademola Lookman (Atlanta).
The awards also recognize clubs, coaches, journalists, and football administrators. Edo Queens, Rangers International, and Remo Stars will compete for Team of the Year, while Coach of the Year contenders include Daniel Ogunmodede (Remo Stars), Moses Adukwu (Edo Queens), and Fidelis Ilechukwu (Rangers).
Shina Phillips, the awards’ organizer, emphasized the commitment to maintaining integrity and transparency in the selection process.
Other notable categories include Queen of the Pitch, featuring Rasheedat Ajibade, Chiamaka Nnadozie, and Asisat Oshoala, as well as the Sam Okwaraji Award, where Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa joins Segun Odegbami and Kunle Soname as nominees.
With the stage set for a highly competitive edition, football fans eagerly await the winners’ announcement.
NAN
